Dating from about AD 800 to 900, the large silver and copper alloy disc brooch is well over a thousand years old and is one of the most important single objects ever found in the county. It comes from a time when the survival of Saxon Wessex was in doubt and Somerset provided a refuge for King Alfred the Great at Athelney. Conservation work by Pieta Greaves of Drakon Heritage has removed centuries of corrosion and soil deposits to reveal the exceptional quality of its decoration. Interlaced animal and plant designs in bright silver and black ‘niello’ are set against a gilded back panel. The animals represented include wyverns – dragon-like creatures with two legs, wings and long tails, that would later become one of the symbols of Wessex.

Curator of Archaeology, Amal Khreisheh, said: 'Conservation has transformed this fascinating brooch and revealed the intricacies of its design. The fascinating details uncovered include fine scratches on the reverse which may have helped the maker to map out the design. A tiny contemporary mend on the beaded border suggests that the brooch was cherished by its owner and worn for an extended period of time before it was lost. We’re very excited that we can show the brooch in the county where it was found and share it with people in Somerset.'

Tom Mayberry, Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust said: 'In 878 Alfred the Great rallied his forces in Somerset and defeated the invading Danish army. Wessex was secure and the foundations had been laid for the creation of a unified English kingdom. The Cheddar Brooch comes from a time that was a turning point in English history. We’re delighted that this remarkable object is on display at the Museum of Somerset.'

The brooch was found by Iain Sansome while metal-detecting on farmland near Cheddar, Somerset, in 2020. He reported it through the Portable Antiquities Scheme via his local Finds Liaison Officer, who with the South West Heritage Trust organised a follow-up archaeological excavation of the findspot. The brooch was acquired by the Museum under the Treasure Act 1996 with generous support from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Art Fund and the Friends of the Museum of Somerset.

The Museum of Somerset is open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm. swheritage.org.uk